Letter a

compulsory

ADJECTIVE If something is ..., you must do it because of a rule or law. Dictionary examples: Wearing seat belts in cars is ... by law. Swimming was .... at my school. Learner example: We have asked participants to wear a typical traditional dress/suit from their country - of course, this is not .... but everyone is warmly invited to do so.

Faint

ADJECTIVE SLIGHT slight and not easy to notice, smell, hear, etc. Dictionary examples: a ..... sound/noise/smell She gave me a ...... smile. Learner example: I heard a ...l sound.

joint

ADJECTIVE belonging to or shared between two or more people Dictionary examples: a ..... bank account The project was a ..... effort between the two schools. The two Ukrainian ice-skaters came ..... second in the world championship. Adrian has a .... honours degree in English and philosophy.

deliberate

ADJECTIVE done intentionally or planned Dictionary examples: a ..... attack/insult/lie This was a ..... attempt to mislead us. Learner example: I'm sure that his ..... intention with this was to make us get closer.

petrified

ADJECTIVE extremely frightened Dictionary example: I'm ..... of spiders. Learner example: I was ...... as well as confused

distressing

ADJECTIVE making you feel extremely worried or upset Dictionary examples: distressing news a ...... experience Learner example: If you confront a ...... situation try to compensate [for] it with a relaxing activity.

cheeky

ADJECTIVE slightly rude or showing no respect, but often in a funny way Dictionary examples: She's got such a .... grin. Don't be so ....! Learner example: Don't get angry, but I think your husband is a very .... man!

damp

ADJECTIVE slightly wet, especially in a way that is not pleasant or comfortable Dictionary examples: The grass is still ...... This shirt still feels a bit damp. It was a ....., misty morning. Learner example: I have recently noticed that they are stored in dark, .... rooms because the library has no money to restore these places.

bizarre

ADJECTIVE very strange and unusual Dictionary examples: a ..... situation ..... behaviour Learner example: Things are sometimes quite ....., aren't they?

anyhow

ADVERB DESPITE despite that Dictionary example: He hates carrots but he ate them ..... Learner example: It wasn't a great support, but .... I consider my choice to be the best I could have [made]. EARLIER SUBJECT used when you are returning to an earlier subject Dictionary example: ....., as I said, I'll be away next week. Learner example: After that we drove for about one hour before we had to take a lunch break. It was still very hot when we continued our trip and we had to stop once more. ......., we [got] to Munich the same day, where we stayed for two days. MORE IMPORTANTLY used to give a more important reason for something that you are saying Dictionary example: I don't need a car and I can't afford one ....... Learner example: We both thought that it was a good idea to have that stop-over at your place as it was on our route to Norway ......

Firmly

ADVERB CERTAINLY in a way that is certain or fixed Dictionary example: I .... believe that we must take action on this. Learner example: I .... believe that some of the things you mentioned are wrong. STRONGLY strongly; in a way that will not become loose Dictionary example: Make sure the rope is .... attached before attempting to climb down it. Learner example: Slowly but .... I grab[b]ed the door handle, took another quick glance in the room, and turned it.

crawl

HANDS AND KNEES to move on your hands and knees The child .... across the floor. The injured soldier ..... to safety. Learner example: I .... out from under the bed and stood [u]p.

forthcoming

HAPPENING SOON [ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN] happening soon Dictionary example: We have just received the information about the .... conference. Learner example: I am writing this letter so as to give you the information which will help you organize all the necessary details of the ..... holiday.

grip

HOLD to hold something very tightly Dictionary example: The baby ..... my finger with her tiny hand. Learner example: I ..... the steering wheel, fixed my eyes firmly on the road, and bravely drove up to Scotland. NOUN [NO PLURAL] HOLD when you hold something tightly Dictionary example: She tightened her ..... on my arm. Learner example: Then suddenly I lost [my] .... o[n] the papers and they all dropped to the floor and landed in a great heap.

fall through

If a plan or agreement ....., it fails to happen. Dictionary example: Our plans to go on holiday together .... when Jamie became ill. Learner example: All our plans .... and I hope it will never happen to me again.

admission/admittedly

NOUN PERMISSION [C or U] when someone is given permission to enter somewhere or to become a member of a club, university, etc. Dictionary example: She's applied for .... to law school. Learner example: I was wondering whether you could send me some information [about] the rules of ..... to the club. / ADVERB used when you are agreeing that something is true although you do not want to Dictionary example: ........, I could have tried harder but I still don't think all this criticism is fair. Learner example: ........, using your car is more convenient and easier [than] using public transport but in my opinion, the advantages of using public transport outweigh the disadvantages it can cause.

nuisance

NOUN [C USUALLY NO PLURAL] a person, thing, or situation that annoys you or causes problems for you Dictionary examples: I've forgotten my umbrella - what a .....! It's such a ...... having to rewrite those letters. I hate to be a ......, but could you help me? Local residents claimed that the noise was causing a public ....... Learner example: It's co[m]fortable, fast and it [avoid]s the ..... of having to take public transport in the rush hour.

eyelash

NOUN [C USUALLY PLURAL] one of the short hairs which grow from the edge of your eyelids Dictionary example: false/long .....

leek

NOUN [C or U] a long white and green vegetable that smells and tastes similar to an onion Dictionary example: ...... soup Learner example: I had some roasted chicken pieces with some .... and broccoli and roasted potatoes and Jan had his favourite spaghetti with cream sauce.

aubergine

NOUN [C or U] an oval, purple vegetable that is white inside Dictionary example: The dish is made with .... and cheese.

disguise

NOUN [C or U] clothes and other things that you wear to change the way you look so that people cannot recognize you Dictionary example: She usually goes out in ...... to avoid being bothered by the public. Learner example: There will be a big parade in the first week of the month with people in ....... VERB [T] DIFFERENT APPEARANCE to give a new appearance to a person or thing, especially in order to hide its true form Dictionary examples: He ...... himself by shaving his head and wearing a false beard. Minor skin imperfections can usually be ...... with make-up. We tried to ....... the fact that it was just a school hall by putting up coloured lights and balloons. Learner example: This writer that we are going to welcome is a brilliant woman, because she had the courage to ...... herself as an [im]migrant to see and to feel how those poor and miserable Turkish [im]migrants live in Germany.

mist

NOUN [C or U] small drops of water in the air which make it difficult to see objects which are not near Dictionary examples: The early-morning ..... soon lifted/cleared. The mountain villages seem to be permanently covered in ...... Learner example: The ....... was getting thicker all the time and the rain was coming down harder.

lap

NOUN [C] BODY Your ..... is the top part of your legs when you are sitting down. Dictionary example: Come on kids - sit on my ..... and I'll read you a story. Learner example: Clara opened her eyes and she was sit[t]ing [o]n [a] comfortable sofa in her warm room, and in her ...... was [a] history book. SPORTS one complete turn around a race track or from one end of a swimming pool to the other Dictionary example: He's two ..... behind the leaders. Learner example: The race began and David was 2nd after 25 ....., behind Nilson's rear bumper.

lid

NOUN [C] a cover on a container, which can be lifted up or removed Dictionary examples: Can you get the .... off this jar? Put a ..... on the saucepan.

beam

NOUN [C] a line of light shining from something Dictionary example: a laser ....

colon

NOUN [C] a mark (:) used before a list, an example, an explanation, etc. Dictionary example: There's a .... missing in that sentence. the main part of the large intestine, which passes from the caecum to the rectum and absorbs water and electrolytes from food which has remained undigested.

burglar

NOUN [C] a person who illegally enters buildings and steals things Dictionary example: I saw someone climbing in through a window and assumed it must be a ..... Learner example: Was it possible that a .... was trying to break into the house?

leaflet

NOUN [C] a piece of folded paper or a small book which contains information Dictionary example: I picked up a useful ..... on how to fill in tax forms. Learner example: Another idea is to place a table where students, staff and visitors can find some information about the school and their activities, some ..... and brochures.

cellar

NOUN [C] a room under the ground floor of a building, usually used for storage Dictionary example: He keeps his wine in the ..... Learner example: We were in the .... of the old castle without a candle or even matches.

hedge

NOUN [C] a row of bushes growing close together, often used to divide land into separate areas Dictionary example: She planted a ..... along the back of the garden. Learner example: Besides, people should be allowed to sit under the trees. At present, [the] lawn, bushes and ....... aren't open to people.

blade

NOUN [C] the flat part on a knife or similar tool or weapon, with a very thin edge used for cutting Dictionary example: a sword with a steel .... Learner example: Suddenly she felt the ..... on her neck and she screamed in panic.

county

NOUN [C] the largest political division of a state or country Dictionary examples: .... Antrim Westchester ..... A ..... usually consists of several cities and towns and the rural areas surrounding them. Rutland used to be the smallest .... in England, but in 1974 it became part of Leicestershire. Texas is divided into 254 ..... Learner example: Since my family originates from the ... of Dalarna, where "Dal" paintings are both very popular and common, I have started to paint a little on my own.

eyelid

NOUN [C] the piece of skin that covers your eyes when you close them Dictionary example: His ..... drooped with tiredness.

despair

NOUN [U] a feeling of having no hope Dictionary examples: a mood/sense of ... They're the depths of .... over/about the money they've lost. Learner example: Almost in ...., I came out of the bathroom and tried my best to look for a candle.

centigrade

NOUN [U] a measurement of temperature in which water freezes at 0° and boils at 100° Dictionary example: Water boils at 100° ..... Learner example: The last few days I prefer[red] to go swimming, because the temperature was above thirty degrees .....

cardboard

NOUN [U] material like very thick stiff paper, usually pale brown in colour, which is used especially for making boxes Dictionary example: a .... box

courtesy

NOUN [U] polite behaviour Dictionary examples: Hotel staff must at all times treat guests with ..... He could at least have had the ... to say sorry. Learner example: On balance, I think McDonalds should improve the .... of members of staff, as well as keeping up the speedy service.

carelessness

NOUN [U] the state of being careless Dictionary example: It's the .... with which he just throws stuff on the floor that annoys me. Learner example: Please forgive my ..... I'd like to bring a new one like yours when I come to you next time.

determination

NOUN [U] when someone continues trying to do something, although it is very difficult Dictionary example: Andy Murray will need great ... and skill to win this match Learner example: Mandela tried to better the political situation of South Africa [-] he was strong enough to fight, he had .....

Knock down/knock out/knock out

PHRASAL VERB to destroy a building or part of a building Dictionary example: They've ...... the old cinema. Learner example: Since many of the office building are almost empty I also think that we should have them ...... and replaced by green parks or other areas where no cars are to be allowed. 2) .... PHRASAL VERB HIT SOMEONE to make someone become unconscious, usually by hitting them on the head Dictionary example: He was ....... halfway through the fight. Learner example: Chris .....l with a strong punch without doubting that he was a criminal. DEFEAT IN COMPETITION [OFTEN PASSIVE] to defeat a person or team in a competition so they cannot take part any more Dictionary example: The French team were ....... in the semi final. 3) PHRASAL VERB to hit or push something or someone, especially accidentally, so that they fall to the ground or onto their side Dictionary examples: I ...... a bottle of wine ..... while I was reaching for a dish. He banged into me so hard that he nearly ....... Learner example: I ..... the girl's cup, which was still full of milk.

boast

VERB PRIDE [I or T] to talk with too much pride about what you have done or what you own Dictionary examples: He didn't talk about his exam results in case people thought he was ..... Parents enjoy ..... about their children's achievements. They ..... that they had never lost a single game. Learner example: Later that evening I went home ..... about my success.

bend

VERB BODY to move your body or part of your body so that it is not straight Dictionary examples: ..... your knees when lifting heavy objects. She ..... down to pick up the pen. Now, .... forwards/over and touch your toes! Learner example: My friend was ..... over the table laughing hysterically. CURVE to (cause to) curve Dictionary examples: The road ..... to the left after the first set of traffic lights. The trees were ...... in the wind. Learner example: I saw fir trees .... in half and 500-year-old oaks shedding their leaves. NOUN [C] CURVED PART a curved part of something Dictionary examples: There's a ..... in the pipe so you can't see from one end to the other. There's a sharp ..... in the road. Learner example: The other car disappeared around a sharp .... and when we came round it, we saw that the car had stopped in the middle of the road.

dip

VERB (-pp-) PUT INTO LIQUID [T] to put something into a liquid for a short time Dictionary examples: ..... the fish in the batter, then drop it into the hot oil. She ..... her toe into the pool to see how cold it was. Learner example: I recommend little sandwiches, chips and other things to .... [into sauces]. BECOME LOWER [I] to become lower in level or amount Dictionary example: The number of students taking sciences has ..... sharply. Learner example: Cinema attendance in th[is] age group ..... to 88%.

enquire

VERB [I or T] to ask someone for information about something Dictionary examples: I'm ..... about dentists in the area. "Are you staying long?" she ...... Learner example: I am writing to ...... about the job you are offering.

mutter

VERB [I or T] to speak quietly so that your voice is difficult to hear, often when complaining about something Dictionary examples: He was .... (away) to himself. He ..... something about the restaurant being too expensive. Learner example: "Emile Zola is the best writer", he ......

cease

VERB [I or T] FORMAL to stop Dictionary examples: He ordered his men to ..... firing. The company has decided to ..... all UK operations after this year. She never ..... to amaze me. Learner example: I thought the ring was just inside my head, in the dream. But it didn't ...., making me realize it was something else, from outside the room.

dash

VERB [I] to go somewhere quickly Dictionary examples: I've been ..... around all day. I must .... - I've got to be home by seven. Learner example: I must .... now, [as] I have got to go to college. NOUN QUICK MOVEMENT [NO PLURAL] when you run somewhere very quickly Dictionary examples: I made a ..... for the toilets. There was a mad ..... for the exit. Learner example: I made a ..... to catch the plane. PUNCTUATION [C] a mark that can be used to separate parts of a sentence

entitle

VERB [T OFTEN PASSIVE] GIVE RIGHT to give someone the right to do or have something Dictionary examples: I'm ...... to apply for citizenship. Being unemployed ...... you to free medical treatment. Learner example: In conclusion, I believe that I am ...... to a partial refund.

demolish

VERB [T] DESTROY to completely destroy a building, especially in order to use the land for something else Dictionary example: A number of houses were ..... so that the supermarket could be built. Learner example: The building was ....., and so was the dream of a house of the[ir] own.

aquire

VERB [T] GET FORMAL to get something Dictionary examples: He .... the firm in 1978. I seem to have .... two copies of this book. Learner example: I would like to join the club because I will be able to .... more stamps for my collection. LEARN to learn something Dictionary example: to ..... knowledge/skills Learner example: I have already .... experience in the Tourism Field, working as a guard in a summer camp in Florida in 1997.

discourage

VERB [T] MAKE LESS CONFIDENT to make someone less confident or enthusiastic about something Dictionary example: The thought of how much work she had to do ........ her. Learner example: It should include the prices of the tickets. If not, it will ...... people. ..... sb from doing sth to try to persuade someone not to do something Dictionary example: Her parents tried to ....... her from seeing him. Learner example: Yet there are also disadvantage[s] which might ...... you from buying a mobile phone.

enclose

VERB [T] SEND to send something in the same envelope or parcel as something else Dictionary example: I ..... a map of the area. Learner example: I ..... a copy of my curriculum vitae, which will give you further details about my career to date.

deceive

VERB [T] to make someone believe something that is not true Dictionary examples: The company .... customers by selling old computers as new ones. The sound of the door closing ..... me into thinking they had gone out. Learner example: So if you don't want to feel .... or offended, think twice before you decide to go shopping.

ensure

VERB [T] to make something certain to happen Dictionary example: Please ...... that all examination papers have your name at the top. Learner example: Please ..... [the] above corrections and new information about Lampton [are included in the next edition].

equip

VERB [T] to provide someone or something with what is needed for a particular purpose Dictionary examples: They're raising money to ..... the hospital. The new trains are ....... with all the latest technology. Learner example: We were ....... with crampons, ropes, ice axes, gloves, sunglasse[s] and so on.

endure

VERB [T] to suffer something difficult, unpleasant or painful Dictionary examples: We had to ...... a nine-hour delay at the airport. She's already had to ...... three painful operations on her leg. Learner example: In addition to this, I have been doing various kinds of sports including swimming and jogging, so I could ..... a long trip.

at disposal

available for you to use at any time Dictionary example: We will have a car .... for the whole trip. Learner example: But on Wednesday morning I'm ......

at fault

responsible for something bad that has happened Dictionary example: I was .... and I would like to apologize. Learner example: I really felt ......

abolish

to officially end something, especially a law or system Dictionary examples: I think bullfighting should be .... National Service was ... in Britain in 1962. Learner example: Therefore, I suggest you should not change or ..... any event for any reason.

cello

Виолончель NOUN [C] a large, wooden musical instrument with four strings that you hold between your knees to play Learner example: It was Beethoven, the 9th symphony. The ъъъ [and] violins, followed by the timpani...